Baghdad: Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will travel to the U.S. capital, Washington, on Monday at the head of a high-level delegation. He noted that the prime minister is scheduled to hold key meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, senior officials, and representatives of economic and financial institutions.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Aboudi said at a press conference that the visit reflects Iraq's commitment to developing balanced foreign relations based on mutual interests. He emphasized the importance of the visit due to the sensitive regional circumstances and revealed plans for Iraq and the United States to sign memoranda of understanding in the oil and gas sectors. This includes the entry of specialized U.S. companies aimed at increasing production capacity and creating alternative export routes to mitigate the impact of the Strait of Hormuz.
Al-Aboudi highlighted the visit's focus on strengthening ties with Washington, with discussions centered on expanding economic and investment cooperation. He noted that the central theme of this trip, unlike previous visits, is the economy, and affirmed that there will be no changes to the Strategic Framework Agreement. All understandings and agreements during the visit will adhere to its provisions.
He mentioned that completing the government cabinet remains contingent on political consensus, and the government aims to address remaining vacancies through the delegation's discussions. He reiterated plans to sign memoranda in the oil and gas sectors, alongside agreements to bring U.S. oil companies into Iraq to boost production capacity.
Al-Aboudi added that the visit seeks to solidify Iraq's regional role and enhance regional engagement. The talks will prioritize economic, investment, and development cooperation with the United States, while also promoting Iraq's investment environment across the energy, trade, and technology sectors.
He confirmed that Al-Zaidi will hold significant meetings with President Trump, senior U.S. officials, and economic and financial institutions to advance bilateral dialogue and translate it into tangible cooperation at more advanced levels. The delegation's discussions will focus on economic issues, with plans to implement several memoranda of understanding under the Iraqi-American Fund for Development and Energy.
Al-Aboudi expressed expectations that Iraq's relationship with the United States will evolve from crisis management to a long-term economic partnership. The agenda will also include discussions on equipping Iraq's security forces and enhancing their capabilities. Regarding the government's decision to restrict weapons to state control, Al-Aboudi emphasized that it is a sovereign Iraqi decision aimed at ensuring a stable environment for investment and maintaining internal security.